Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overview
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Microchapters |
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Differentiating Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from other Diseases |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overview |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Philip Marcus, M.D., M.P.H. [2]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3]
Overview
COPD usually gradually gets worse over time and can lead to death. The rate at which it gets worse varies between individuals. The factors that predict a poorer prognosis are:[1] like Severe airflow obstruction (low FEV1), poor exercise capacity, shortness of breath, significantly underweight or overweight, complications like respiratory failure or cor pulmonale, continued smoking, frequent acute exacerbations. Prognosis in COPD can be estimated using the Bode Index. This scoring system uses FEV1, body-mass index, 6-minute walk distance, and the modified MRC dyspnea scale to estimate outcomes in COPD.[2]
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of COPD is usually suggested by symptoms; it is a clinical diagnosis and no single test is definitive. A comprehensive history from the patient is very important with regard to smoking and occupation.